Clothes catcher

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a clothes catcher for facilitating movement of clothing and other goods during the laundering process. A user can transfer clothes or other goods between the clothes catcher and the washer or dryer much more easily than present day loading or unloading. The clothes catcher of the present invention includes a means for attaching to the opening created by an open door to a washer or dryer and also includes a basket.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/865,168, filed Aug. 13, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A common problem with clothes dryers and washers, both electric and gas-powered machines, is unloading dried or wet clothes from the machine. Typically, dryers and washers are emptied one handful at a time, which requires awkwardly reaching into the dryer or washer and moving the clothes from the machine to some other storage device like a basket. This continuous bending over, changing position, and repeating is time consuming and can be painful, particularly for people with back pain.

Also, by bending and reaching into a machine to obtain a handful of dry or wet clothes, a user often does not obtain a solid grip on the clothes or may lose balance, and some clothes may fall, thereby becoming dirty and negating the benefit of the hours-long wash and dry cycles.

As a result, it would be beneficial to have a device which can be used on a permanent or on an occasional basis for catching clothes being removed from a dryer or washer. It would be especially beneficial to have such a device be applicable to front loader washers or dryers, but it would also be advantageous to have the device be applicable to top loaders. It would be further beneficial to have such a device be portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device which attaches to a washer or dryer or hangs from an open machine door, and which may be used to catch clothing and other goods when the clothes are being removed from the machine. That is, a user could reach in for clothes and place or drop the clothes in a device proximal to the open door, where the device might include the possibility of being lifted intact or can be positioned so that the clothes can easily be moved in bulk. In the preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention would be used to catch falling (wet or dry) laundry from washer/dryer units when clothes are being added to or removed from the units.

Similarly, the clothes catcher of the present invention can be used as a receptacle for clothing or other goods which will be moved to a washer or dryer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention in use on a dryer.

FIG. 2 depicts the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention in an open position, particularly showing a flap and connecting device.

FIG. 4 depicts the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention in an open position, particularly showing flaps.

FIG. 5 depicts the preferred embodiment of he clothes catcher of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 6 depicts the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention, particularly showing the rear side assemblage.

FIG. 7 depicts component parts of the rear assemblage of the clothes catcher of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a detailed perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts yet another embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts yet another embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts yet another embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a clothes catcher for facilitating movement of clothing and other goods during the laundering process. The clothes catcher of the present invention is an apparatus which attaches to or rests on the frame surrounding an opening for a washer or dryer (each of which is considered a “laundry machine”). A user can transfer clothes or other goods between the clothes catcher and the washer or dryer much more easily than present day loading or unloading. The clothes catcher of the present invention includes a means for attaching to the opening created by an open door to a washer or dryer and also includes a basket. The clothes catcher, upon attaching to a dryer or washer can serve to provide a container at a similar height to that of the open dryer or washer, so that clothes or other goods can be transferred easily and without the need for repetitive bending by the user. That is, the basket can be used as a hamper and clothes and/or other goods can be moved from it to a washer. Upon completion of a wash cycle, the clothes and/or other goods can be returned to the basket and the basket itself can be moved to and attached to the opening of a dryer for transfer of the clothes and/or other goods to the dryer and later back from the dryer to the basket.

The clothes catcher of the present invention has the further benefit of being collapsible for the purpose of storage. Each clothes catcher can be in an open position, with the potential for a lock for it to stay open, or in the closed position for storage, also potentially with a lock, or potentially intermediary positions. The overall dimensions of the clothes catcher of the present invention can vary in that different sized baskets can be made available, but nominally the preferred dimensions are 12 inches by twelve inches by 6 inches when fully open (with hooking arrangement extending therefrom), and 12 inches by 12 inches when closed.

Although described below as being useful for clothes, the present invention may be used for any combination of launderable goods including but not limited to clothes, sheets, towels, shoes, various garments and accessories, washcloths, sponges, and any other products conducive to laundering.

The clothes catcher of the present invention can be considered to include two distinct but interconnected portions—a basket or receptacle for receiving the clothes, and a support system for providing structure for the basket and to which the basket or receptacle may be attached to the washer or dryer.

FIG. 1 depicts the device of the present invention in use. As shown in FIG, 1, basket hanger 10 rests on washer 50 by use of a hooking element 60. Basket hanger 10 could alternatively rest on a dryer or some comparable device. In its resting state, basket hanger 10 is usable as a repository for clothing being removed from washer 50. The basket or receptacle is alignable at or near the level of the washer or dryer so as to preclude the need for repetitive bending by a person. When moved to a dryer, basket hanger 10 similarly can be used as a repository for clothes being removed, or as a source for clothing intended to be moved into a dryer.

FIG. 2 depicts basket hanger 10 of the present invention. Externally visible portions include support structure 100, carry basket 200, and carry handles 740. Support structure 100 includes a plurality of hooks, or hooking devices 60 for attaching to the opening of a door or a dryer, typically two, which are adaptable for hooking onto the rim of an open door of a dryer or washer. In the preferred embodiment, these hooks form a part of a hooking structure comprising aluminum rods. The rods can be wrapped with a rubber, plastic, or other material so as, for example, to facilitate handling or preclude rusting or tarnishing.

The hooks or hooking structure are intended to rest inside the washer or dryer door, such that the bulk of the clothes catcher rests outside and the rear portion rests along an exterior wall of the washer or dryer and just below the opening formed by the open door. As such, a person can reach into the washer or dryer to drop clothes (or other goods) into the clothes catcher without continually changing position. The clothes catcher itself is mobile, so the filled (or unfilled) catcher can be moved from the washer to the dryer for loading goods into the dryer. In effect, the clothes catcher of the present invention is suspended from the washer or dryer for the purpose of loading or unloading.

Support structure 100 is preferably formed of a solid material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or another metal, or some equivalent so as to form a solid support structure. Other usable materials may include, but are not limited to, hard plastics or ceramic materials.

Carry basket 200 is preferably formed of nylon, canvas, or some other comparable material. Alternatively, different materials may be used in combination. Carry basket 200 is preferably shaped to have the potential to be formed into a box-like shape, including five sides and a sixth side which is generally open but can also be closed using flaps or other known closing elements. A hem may be used in stitching sides together.

Carry handles 740 are preferably included. These handles can be formed of any of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to canvas or burlap, and are preferably stitched to carry basket 200. Carry handles 740 may be used to transport basket hanger 10 when the basket is either empty or with contents internal to it.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate view of the clothes catcher of the present invention, particularly showing the device open and with the inside of the base portion visible. Also shown in FIG. 3 is support structure 100 exposed and in view. Inner flap 700 as shown can rest inside basket hanger 10, but can be folded out for a purpose such as closure. As shown, two attaching closures 730, preferably formed of Velcro, are included which may be used for closing the device. Because there are two flaps which together form the cover, attaching closures 730 must have mating attaching closures on the other (not shown) flap. Alternatively, other attaching mechanisms may be used, such as but not limited to buttons, zippers, magnets, or clasps.

FIG. 4 shows the clothes catcher of the present invention with the cover closed. Also shown is pull 750. Pull 750 may be used for extending the back portion or keeping the clothes catcher of the present invention taut.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the clothes catcher as shown in FIG. 4 can include an adjustable panel on its forward face (the face furthest from the laundry machine) which may be adjusted to extend upward. In the upward position, the panel can serve as a back stop for clothing or other goods being removed from a washer or dryer. In an alternate state, the panel can shift downward, such as into the basket area so as to provide structure to the basket. In yet another alternate state, the panel can sit horizontally so as to serve as a counter for folding goods such as clothing. In any of these states, the panel may be comprised of a hard surface, such as a hard plastic.

This hard surface provides structure for the rear of the basket and forms a surface which rests on the exterior of a washer or dryer. In addition to the panel, the clothes catcher would include a known form of locking mechanism, such as but not limited to a plastic lockdown, to maintain the panel in the desired position. Such a lock would also be easily releasable.

FIG. 5 depicts the clothes catcher of the present invention in its folded state. As shown in FIG. 5, the clothes catcher folds down to a rectangle with limited depth. The clothes catcher folds down by collapsing onto itself.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the preferred embodiment of basket hanger 10 of the present invention. Elements visible in this view include support backing 120 and support structure 100. Support backing 120 serves as a plate which is used to lean against a dryer or washer so as to form a structure for insertion of clothing. In the preferred embodiment, support backing 120 is comprised of a hard plastic material but can be formed of any of a number of known flat materials which are relative light weight.

Carry handles 740 are stitched to the rear side of basket hanger 10 as shown in FIG. 6.

As is visible in the rear view, support structure 100 includes several elements. Most notably, a series of frame elements 110 can form a structure to combine into support structure 100. These frame elements 110 are in sections and can be folded out to form a hanging element or can be folded in for storage. Frame elements 100 are preferably formed of a hollow, lightweight metal such as aluminum. Each element is formed into the shape of a round rod. The shape and length of each piece may vary based on the need—some are linear and some have one or more bends. Frame elements 110 in aggregate encircle three sides (bottom and sides) of support backing 120. The top portion of support structure 100 is foldable into the basket hanger of the present invention for storage purposes. Pull 750 may be used for opening, releasing, and locking the structure into one of the open or closed positions.

FIG. 7 shows detail of the preferred embodiment of support structure 100. As can best be seen in the lower right arrangement, support structure 100 is comprised of three linear elements, two short and one long in length, and two elements with two bends. Nominally the short elements are 4-6 inches long and the long element is 10-14 inches in length, but the elements can be longer or shorter for different sized clothes catchers. Preferably these elements are 0.25 inch diameter aluminum round stock with soft jackets. These elements are all preferably hollow and are connected by a connecting arrangement. Four points of connection have a series of pieces for connecting elements, including vertical connecting member 170, joint 175, and horizontal connecting member 180. At one point of connection, vertical connecting member 170, handle 185, and horizontal connecting member 180 are in series. Each of vertical connecting member 170, joint 175, horizontal connecting member 180, and handle 185 are preferably formed as shown in FIG, 7, and are made of hard plastic, but could alternatively be metal, ceramic, or some other hard material. Joint 175 in particular allows for articulated change in direction so as to allow folding of the device of the present invention (such as for storage). Joint 175 and horizontal connecting member 180 are preferably pinned and/or slotted together.

Handle 185 is used to pull the assembly closed or push it open. As shown in FIG. 7, handle 185 is centered in the assembly. Alternatively pull 750 can be used in lieu of a handle.

In other embodiments, the basket element is made of a mesh synthetic fiber material, such as Teflon strands, which is easy to clean and rust free. Alternatively, it can be made of fibers, synthetics, metals, or any other suitable material. The mesh of the fabric can be tight or loose. The holes in the mesh need not be particularly close as the basket is used for capturing clothing. The material should be able to withstand some high temperatures, such as those near a dryer and used for drying clothes. The material should also be impervious to water (water resistant or water proof) because the device may be used with damp clothing.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative form of the clothes catcher of the present invention. As shown, the basket includes mesh 300 and frame 310.

Frame 310 as shown covers 360 degrees, is at the top of the basket, is shaped according to the shape of the basket, and provides structural support for basket 210. Frame 310 may be rigid or may include hinges for folding (not shown) and storage. Similarly, frame 310 may extend downward and provide further support for basket 210

Support 90 is used to attach the device of the present invention to an open door of a dryer or washing machine. Support 90 is comprised of hangers 250 and plate 150 for providing structural support. In the preferred embodiment, plate 150 includes feed-thru holes, preferably on the rear or internally, for threading hangers 250 through the holes. Pins 160 can be used to lock plate 150 in place.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment to basket 210 with a wide mesh 300 and a taper to the basket.

The support parts (frame 310, hangers 250) are preferably formed of plastic-coated metal, but can be made of metals, plastics, or any suitable rigid material which should support the basket and minimal weight from potential fallen laundry items. Dimensions can be very flexible so long as the basket is placed beneath the lip of the washer/dryer unit where clothes are input and removed and wide enough to function properly. The basket can be hung off of the unit itself, can be held in place by magnets or any other method, can be hard-attached to the unit by the manufacturer or can be hard attached as a third-party vended product. Considering its simple design, the product can further including pivoting elbow joints to allow for the product to be folded for convenient storage and carry.

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the clothes catcher of the present invention, in which the device of the present invention is permanently affixed to the washer or dryer unit. In this embodiment, a permanent attached basket compartment is made of fabric or other materials, and attaches to a clothes washer/dryer in order to catch falling laundry items when being removed from either washer or dryer to prevent them from dropping on the floor. Although permanently attached, the device need not remain in an open position. The device can be manually pulled open or can be opened automatically by including a sensor which senses when the door is opened. Such a sensor may be electronically operable. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the device of this embodiment includes mesh 610 and frame 620. Pivot 630 may be formed of a magnet or some type of more permanent attachment, such as a glued on pin. Extender 640 may be used to open and close the device of the present invention. In order for the device to remain closed, extender 640 may be pulled back and attached in any of a number of known ways to pivot 630.

FIG. 11 depicts an additional embodiment of the present invention in which the device of the present invention may be stored inside the washer or dryer when not in use or may fold out from inside the machine. The machine is operable with mesh utility shelf in upright position. A mesh utility tray swivels when machine door is ajar to drop and function as a basket catcher when machine door is open. The tray is lifted to upright position prior to machine door closing to operate the machine. When the machine door is opened, the tray swivels to down position (again) to allow for loading/unloading the unit. In at least this embodiment, the materials used must be adequately heat resistant so as to retain longevity. In this embodiment, the frame remains attached to the interior of the machine door, such as by clipping, and the mesh portion folds out. 

1. An apparatus for facilitating transfer of goods during a laundry cycle comprising: a basket element for containing goods and a frame structure for said basket element, said frame structure comprising a back plate and a frame assembly; wherein said frame assembly includes a plurality of collapsible hooking components for hooking said apparatus to an opening of a laundry machine; said basket element is sized to receive goods being removed from said laundry machine; and said apparatus is adaptable to be positioned in alignment with said opening so as to facilitate a user's movement of goods between said basket element and said laundry machine.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is additionally collapsible such as for storage.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said basket element is comprised of a water repellant material.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame structure comprises a plurality of connecting elements including a plurality of hinges, wherein said frame structure is configurable so that said basket element is configured for acceptance of goods and is configurable so that said basket element is in a closed state.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said frame structure includes a locking element for locking said frame structure in an open position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a cover for said basket element.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said cover is in two sections which mate using connecting devices on each section.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said sections mate by way of a zipper.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said basket element is formed of a mesh material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said basket element is formed of a water proof material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said basket element is formed of nylon.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame structure includes a plurality of elements comprised of aluminum.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said back plate includes a solid backing.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said backing is comprised of a hard plastic.
 15. A laundry basket comprising: a basket element for containing goods and a frame structure for structuring said basket element, including a back plate and a frame assembly, for attaching to a door frame of a laundry machine; wherein said frame assembly includes a plurality of collapsible hooking components for hooking said apparatus to said door frame; said basket element is sized to receive goods being removed from said laundry machine; and said apparatus is adaptable to be positioned in alignment with an opening formed by said door frame so as to facilitate a user's movement of goods between said basket element and said laundry machine.
 16. The laundry basket of claim 15, wherein said apparatus is collapsible such as for storage.
 17. The laundry basket of claim 15, wherein said basket element is comprised of a water repellant material.
 18. The laundry basket of claim 15, wherein said frame structure comprises a plurality of connecting elements including a plurality of hinges, wherein said frame structure is configurable so that said basket element is formed for acceptance of goods and is configurable so that said basket element is in a closed state.
 19. The laundry basket of claim 15, wherein said frame structure includes a locking element for locking said frame structure in an open position.
 20. The laundry basket of claim 15, further including a cover. 